GAO issues Army modernization recommendations

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued four recommendations to the Army as a means of enhancing the branch’s modernization goals.

GAO officials said the recommendations stem from the Army’s aim to maintain its technological edge over potential adversaries by investing in near and long-term modernization practices but encountering struggles with past modernization endeavors.

While officials said the Army plans to begin weapon systems development at a lower level of maturity than recommended by leading practices. GAO has raised concerns about this type of practice for almost two decades for other Army acquisitions, citing proceeding into weapon systems development at earlier stages of technology maturity raises risk the resulting systems could experience cost increases, delivery delays or failure to deliver desired capabilities.

To that end, the GAO is recommending the Secretary of the Army ensure the Commanding General of Army Futures Command applies leading practices as they relate to technology development, as well as ensure the Commanding General of Army Futures Command takes steps to incorporate the experiences of the cross-functional teams in applying leading practices for effective cross-functional teams. The report also recommended that the Secretary of the Army ensure the Commanding General of Army Futures Command executes a process for identifying and incorporating lessons learned from cross-functional team pilots into the new command. The Secretary of the Army should also ensure the Commanding General of Army Futures Command fully applies leading practices for mergers and organizational transformations as roles, responsibilities, policies, and procedures are finalized for the new command.